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31 July 2012

There is no better time than the depths of winter to cosy up in front of a great film.

Our resident film buff, Michelle Veysey, takes us through three great films that are certain to amuse, educate and inspire you this August.

THE CHEF

Starring: Jean Reno, Michaël Youn and Raphaëlle Agogué
Director: Daniel Cohen
At Rialto Cinemas: 2 August
Rating: M Offensive Language

Following hot on the heels of Rialto Cinemas sold-out Films for Foodies event Rialto is presenting the full season of this delicious gastronomic comedy. Jean Reno plays a veteran chef who faces off against his new CEO when they set out to lose a star from the restaurant’s rating in order to bring in a younger replacement.

“Light and broad comedy fuse together harmoniously in this frothy comedy set in the restaurant world in which cuisine, relationships and careers are agitated precariously in a mixing bowl of surprises.”
Louise Keller, Urban Cinefile

TAKE THIS WALTZ

Starring: Michelle Williams, Seth Rogen and Sarah Silverman
Director: Sarah Polley
At Rialto Cinemas: 9 August
Rating: TBC

When Margot (Michelle Williams) meets Daniel (Luke Kirby), their chemistry is intense and immediate. But Margot suppresses her sudden attraction; she is happily married to Lou (Seth Rogen), a cookbook writer. When Margot learns that Daniel lives across the street from them, the certainty about her domestic life shatters. She and Daniel steal moments throughout the steaming Toronto summer, their eroticism heightened by their restraint. Swelteringly hot, bright and colorful like a bowl of fruit, Take This Waltz leads us, laughing, through the familiar, but uncharted question of what long-term relationships do to love, sex, and our images of ourselves.

“No one’s a cliche; no one speaks dialogue the viewer could have muttered a beat or two ahead of the movie; no one hews to a mode of behaviour fabricated to explain away his or her irrational behaviour.” John Anderson, Newsday

BERNIE

Starring: Jack Black, Shirley MacLaine and Matthew McConaughey
Director: Richard Linklater
At Rialto Cinemas: 16 August
Rating: M Violence

If you missed this in the New Zealand International Film Festival, now is your chance to catch it! In the tiny, rural town of Carthage, TX, assistant funeral director Bernie Tiede (Black) was one of the town’s most beloved residents. He taught Sunday school, sang in the church choir and was always willing to lend a helping hand. Everyone loved and appreciated Bernie, so it came as no surprise when he befriended Marjorie Nugent, an affluent widow who was as well known for her sour attitude as her fortune. Bernie frequently travelled with Marjorie and even managed her banking affairs. Marjorie quickly became fully dependent on Bernie and his generosity and Bernie struggled to meet her increasing demands. Bernie continued to handle her affairs, and the townspeople went months without seeing Marjorie. The people of Carthage were shocked when it was reported that Marjorie Nugent had been dead for some time, and that Bernie Tiede was being charged with the murder.

“BERNIE unfolds into many equally rich narrative strands: love story, southern Gothic slice-of-life and, finally tragedy and legal thriller…” Ann Hornaday, Washington Post